Bangladesh police admit errors in hostage-taking attack in Dhaka

(Vatican Radio) Bangladesh police have admitted they mistakenly shot dead the pizza chef of the Dhaka restaurant as they tried to free hostages in last Friday’s attack by Islamist militants.  20 people were killed by the militants claiming loyalty to the so-called Islamic State group. Authorities say they also misread online warnings of an impending assault.

Bangladesh monitors of social media saw several Twitter messages on Friday saying there would be an attack but police thought any assault was more likely to target embassies and major hotels and restaurants.

Police closed major hotels and eateries in and around hotel Westin, about 1 km from the Holey Artisan Bakery, the restaurant that was attacked.

Bodies of Italian victims return to Rome

Meanwhile, the bodies of the nine Italian victims were flown to Rome on Tuesday.

Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni, who went to Rome's Ciampino airport for the plane's arrival, said he was committed to making sure the victims received state assistance in line with Italian law, which also provides for their families.

(Source: Reuters)